BY NEIL RAMOS
Her name may not ring a bell at this point but that will soon change.
Christelle Abello, Aklan’s representative to this year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant, will soon be part of your household, both literally and figuratively, with Ginebra San Miguel picking her as their calendar girl for 2021.
This was announced via a virtual bash on Tuesday.
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) Sales and Marketing manager Allan Mercado said, “More than just a pretty face, our Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl for 2021 definitely personifies our latest campaign ‘One Ginebra Nation.’ We were not only charmed by her intelligence, but also by her optimism, her courage, her never-say-die spirit, her heart for others, and love for her kababayan. We feel that she best represents the brand and we are very happy to welcome Christelle to our Ginebra San Miguel family.”
Abello, 26, is, of course, quite happy landing the gig.
“I’m so thrilled. I’m so proud and honored to represent Ginebra San Miguel. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to be a part of such an iconic and historical brand,” she related with a smile.
Abello is born to Filipino parents. Her father is from Kalibo, Aklan while her mother is from Silang, Cavite. But she spent most of her life in the US, graduating with a degree in Communication from California State University San Marcos.
Of course, she is very much a Filipina.
“My mom heavily enforced Filipino culture and values at home. She wanted my sister and I to learn Tagalog, and what better way to learn it than through watching localteleseryes and movies,” shared Christelle, who dream of starring in her own teleserye or movie someday.
Abello admitted the never-say-die story of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also inspired her to pursue her other dream – to become a beauty queen.
“The world of pageantry fascinated me so much because I witnessed phenomenal women and beautiful and confident women like Pia Wurtzbach who made a mark in this world. And they impelled me to say that I can do this too.”
She is not new to pageantry having been crowned Binibining Pilipinas USA in 2014.
She was also part of the Top 13 in the 2015 Miss World Philippines contest.
“I think Barangay Ginebra resonates with Filipinos so well with who we are as people, resilient despite the adversities that come our way,” added Abello.
Themed “Ganado sa Bahay,” her six-layout 2021 calendar is inspired by the new normal of staying home while having a positive outlook.
The calendar sees Abello posing while doing a range of activities at home, from exercising, playing video games, working, to painting.
“We want people to see that life can still go on while we’re home. We can still dream and be productive,” she said.
